Union Architectural Hardware: Ironmongery

UNION is one of the big heritage names in British-designed locks and door hardware, with roots going back to 1840 in Willenhall (aka the Black Country’s lockmaking mothership). What started as a family business grew into a widely specified brand for everything that “goes on a door,” and UNION still leans hard into that made-for-the-trade, won’t-let-you-down identity. 

Today, UNION sits inside ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, and the brand acts like a hub for a wider family of door-hardware ranges. In recent years, brands like Exidor (panic/exit hardware), plus Dale Hardware and Excel Architectural Hardware, were brought into the broader “UNION family” after ASSA ABLOY acquisitions. It’s basically the Avengers, but instead of saving the universe they just make sure fire exits actually work at 3am. 

What UNION is known for:

• A huge spread of locks and cylinders (mortice locks, euro cylinders, padlocks, etc.) 

• The broader architectural hardware ecosystem: door controls, exit hardware, hinges, handles, accessories, and spec/support tooling aimed at installers and ironmongers 

• A strong UK trade presence and long distributor relationships (Aldridge even called out a 60-year partnership publicly).